A Taliban delegation, led by Taliban’s army chief Fasihuddin Fitrat, traveled to Badakhshan following intense protests by local residents, sources told Amu. Sources said that Fitrat proposed monetary compensation for the families of the victims.
According to sources, one protester, Nizamuddin, was killed by Taliban gunfire in the Darayim district on Friday, and a second protester, Abdul Basit, was shot dead in the Argo district on Saturday. Abdul Basit was newly engaged, the sources said.
Previously, protesters demanded that the Taliban hand over those responsible for the deaths to the local population. At least 15 people were injured during the protests.
“The people are fed up and are trying to voice their opposition to oppression at great personal risk. The nation of Afghanistan should praise and support such movements,” said Essa Mohammadi, a religious cleric.
Residents emphasized the need for the expulsion of Taliban forces who do not speak their languages. The protests have elicited widespread national reactions.
Afghanistan’s permanent envoy to the UN, Naseer Ahmad Faiq, noted on social media platform X that the protests are expected to continue. “Downplaying this issue and attributing it to poppy cultivation is an attempt to mislead the Afghan people and the international community,” Faiq said. “Such dissatisfaction is common across Afghanistan, and these protests will likely spread to other provinces. The people of Afghanistan have never remained silent against oppression and injustice.”
Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, leader of the Hezb-e Islami, expressed disappointment over the incidents in Argo and Darayim, urging the Taliban to address the issues wisely and avoid escalating the conflict. “All disputes between the rulers and the people should be resolved through Sharia, not by force or weapons,” he stated.
The Resistance Front, led by Ahmad Masoud, claimed it has started special operations in Badakhshan in support of the locals. “The operations will continue for another month to support the honorable people of Badakhshan,” said the statement from the Front.
Ehsanullah Niromand, spokesman for the Junbish party, led by Abdul Rasheed Dostum, described the protest as a reflection of the disconnect between the people and the Taliban. “Afghanistan today lacks a legitimate government and accountability, which alienates the people from the Taliban’s system,” Niromand said.
The Taliban, however, claimed the protests were triggered after their forces attempted to eradicate poppy crops in parts of Badakhshan, leading to disputes with local residents.
Hundreds of people demonstrated against the Taliban on Friday and Saturday, chanting anti-Taliban slogans.
